On April 21 to kick off Arts and Culture Week, virtuoso violinist Jack Glatzer delighted a capacity crowd with his violin wizardry in the 100 Mile United Church.
Glatzer was visiting a friend in 100 Mile House while on a North American tour to several provinces and American states.
He volunteered to give this concert, which covered his few local expenses only. The bulk of the donated gate receipts were presented to the 100 Mile House District General Hospital Auxiliary.
Glatzer specializes in the lesser- known, unaccompanied solo violin repertoire. This concert featured the music of the German composer J.S. Bach, Spanish composer Pablo Sarasate, and the fiendishly difficult caprices by the virtuoso composer/performer Niccolo Paganini.
The single violin, played effortlessly by Glatzer, appeared to fill the room with full orchestral sound.
At one point, local pianist Pat Friesen joined Glatzer and sensitively accompanied one of the Sarasate dances. She expressed her delight at playing with such a great violinist. Local musician Anthony Lau beautifully blended with Glatzer in a harmonica and violin duet by the French composer Pleyel.
This rare and extraordinary concert was followed by an informal reception, organized by Helen Lau, where the crowd mingled with the artists.
Many leaving the hall afterwards were heard to say they were amazed that such a great artist, who has performed in most of the major concert halls in the world, would be able to come to 100 Mile House and give us a taste of his musical virtuosity.
